Triumph over Evil: Samson Rending the Lion | Pluto and Cerberus

Maarten van Heemskerck, c. 1550 - c. 1560

The young, beardless Samson ripped a ferocious lion apart with just his bare hands. In Heemskerck’s time, this story was regarded as the forerunner (prefiguration) of Christ’s victory over the devil. Pluto, recognizable by his three-headed dog Cerberus, was the guardian of the underworld in classical mythology. In the 16th century he was also identified with the devil from Christianity.

  • Artwork typepainting, grisaille
  • Object numberSK-A-3512
  • Dimensionsheight 46.8 cm x width 16 cm, height 45.7 cm x width 14.7 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op paneel